Massachusetts Public Holidays

Massachusetts State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in Massachusetts? Most public holidays in Massachusetts are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Massachusetts employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Massachusetts and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Massachusetts, the birthplace of many pivotal moments in American history, celebrates a range of public holidays throughout the year that reflect its rich history, culture, and values. From commemorating national figures to celebrating local history, these holidays offer Massachusetts residents opportunities to connect with their heritage, reflect on their past, and participate in community gatherings.

Federal Holidays in Massachusetts

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is widely celebrated across Massachusetts as the first day of the year. It is a time for reflection, resolutions, and celebrations. In Boston and other cities, people enjoy fireworks displays, parties, and various outdoor activities. For many, New Year’s Day is a day of rest after the festive New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many people also use the day to spend time with family or enjoy outdoor activities, as the state’s winter season offers opportunities for skiing and other cold-weather sports.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist attractions may remain open.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key figure in the civil rights movement. Massachusetts observes this day with a variety of community service projects, educational events, and parades. The state holds numerous programs and reflections on Dr. King’s teachings of racial equality, justice, and peace. In cities like Boston, there are marches, lectures, and community gatherings that celebrate Dr. King’s enduring influence.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open in most cases, though some may operate with reduced hours.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that celebrates U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Massachusetts, Presidents’ Day is observed with educational events and historical commemorations, especially given the state’s role in early American history. Museums, historical sites, and schools use the day to teach about the contributions of various U.S. presidents, with particular emphasis on the Revolutionary War era. Retailers also often hold sales, making it a busy shopping day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, with many holding sales events.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a solemn federal holiday to honor U.S. military personnel who have died in service to their country. In Massachusetts, this holiday is marked with parades, memorial services, and moments of reflection at veterans’ cemeteries, such as the Boston Common. Communities across the state observe Memorial Day with ceremonies that honor those who have served in the military. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many people enjoying barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities in the state’s parks and along the coast.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Massachusetts, being a critical site in the American Revolution, holds a special place in the celebration of this day. In cities like Boston, the day is marked by historical reenactments, parades, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Charles River. People across the state celebrate with family barbecues, outdoor activities, and civic events. Given Massachusetts’ historical significance in the fight for American independence, many events also reflect on the state’s revolutionary past.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, although some tourist areas remain open.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. Massachusetts observes Labor Day with parades, festivals, and community events. It is also a time for people to reflect on the labor movement’s role in improving working conditions and workers’ rights. Many families use this holiday to mark the end of summer with outdoor activities like barbecues and picnics, or by taking advantage of the long weekend for travel.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Massachusetts holds various events to commemorate the service of veterans, including parades, ceremonies, and educational programs. Boston, as a major city, hosts one of the largest celebrations, with events focusing on the history and service of U.S. military personnel. The day is observed with a mix of reflection, gratitude, and recognition for the sacrifices made by veterans.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, though some businesses hold special events to honor veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a widely celebrated holiday across Massachusetts. It is a time for family gatherings, large meals, and reflection on the blessings of the past year. Traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are central to the holiday, and many Massachusetts residents also take part in community service, volunteering at shelters or organizing food drives. Thanksgiving Day is followed by Black Friday, which marks the start of the holiday shopping season, particularly in large retail centers.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some open later for Black Friday shopping.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Massachusetts. It is a time for family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. Massachusetts’ cities and towns are known for their elaborate holiday decorations, especially Boston’s annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday markets. For many, Christmas is not only a religious celebration but also a time for generosity and community connection, with charity events and volunteer efforts widespread across the state.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, particularly retail stores and government offices.

State Holidays in Massachusetts

In addition to federal holidays, Massachusetts observes several state-specific holidays that are closely tied to the state’s history and culture.

Patriots’ Day (Third Monday in April)

Patriots’ Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the start of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. In Massachusetts, the holiday is especially significant due to its association with the events that took place in Lexington and Concord. The day is observed with reenactments, historical walks, and celebrations in Boston and other parts of the state. The Boston Marathon, one of the most famous marathons in the world, is also held on Patriots’ Day, making it a major sporting event for residents and visitors alike.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close during marathon events.

Bunker Hill Day (June 17)

Bunker Hill Day commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the early battles in the American Revolution. This holiday is especially significant in Boston, where the battle took place. The day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and reflections on the significance of the battle. The Bunker Hill Monument, located in Charlestown, hosts events that attract tourists and history enthusiasts. While not a statewide holiday, it is a local holiday observed in Suffolk County.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in Suffolk County.
• Schools: Closed in Suffolk County.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, though some may close for local observances.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities or religious groups in Massachusetts, reflecting the state’s diverse population.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although not a public holiday in Massachusetts, many Christian communities observe Good Friday with church services and rituals. Some businesses, particularly in the religious and educational sectors, may close or operate with reduced hours.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is widely observed across Massachusetts, particularly in Christian communities. While it is not a public holiday, Easter Sunday is significant for many families and communities, with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Many schools and businesses may close on Easter Sunday.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, specifically marking the day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. In Massachusetts, Juneteenth has gained recognition as a day to celebrate African American history and culture. The day is marked by cultural events, community gatherings, and educational programs that highlight the history of slavery and emancipation.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some businesses host Juneteenth events.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Massachusetts

Holiday	Date	Government Employees	Schools	Private Businesses
New Year’s Day	January 1	Yes	Closed	Varies
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Third Monday in January	Yes	Closed	Varies
Presidents’ Day	Third Monday in February	Yes	Closed	Varies
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Yes	Closed	Varies
Independence Day	July 4	Yes	Closed	Varies
Labor Day	First Monday in September	Yes	Closed	Varies
Veterans Day	November 11	Yes	Varies	Open
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November	Yes	Closed	Varies
Christmas Day	December 25	Yes	Closed	Varies
Patriots’ Day	Third Monday in April	Yes	Closed	Open
Bunker Hill Day	June 17	Yes (in Suffolk County)	Closed in Suffolk County	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies